Major party candidates automatically stand for a primary election — even if they’re unopposed — ahead of the general election. And because they technically run in two races, they can raise twice as much money.

Minor party candidates only stand for a primary election — and can only raise twice as much — if they’re challenged by one of their own.

The technicality was a surprise to GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams, who called it “more bad news.”

Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog has named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.